repeating applications??

[lackingpatience]

Hello all! 

 

I may be jumping the gun a little bit with this question as I am not starting the application process until fall 2013, but I would love it if anyone had advice for me! 

 

Ultimately I would like to do a PhD in Sociocultural Anth (with a focus in Legal Anthropology), but right now I don't think I have the grades to get into some of my dream schools like Berkeley. I have a CGPA of 3.72 and a program GPA of 3.79 plus some research experience with a professor, but I don't think this is quite up to par. Therefore I've decided I should maybe do a masters first and then try to apply for the PhD programs. 

 

What I am wondering is: should apply to a few PhD programs along with masters ones just to see what the responses are? Or would this hurt my chances in the long run if I get rejected an apply a second time a couple years later? In your experience, do schools take into account that you have applied multiple times? Is this a negative or positive thing?

 

Thanks a lot!

[JHC90]

Usually for anthro, you obtain your MA along the Ph.D track. so either way you're can get your MA first along the way.

 

Btw, have you visited berkeley? For an anthro dept, it's pretty cut-throat/competitive, which is interesting.

If you do get in, stay clear of dr. nancy scheper hughes, i went to visit the campus a year back to consider applying and she's probably one of the "grumpiest' (putting it nicely) professors/professionals I've encountered.

 

Although, the other faculty members are highly renowned. good luck!

[lackingpatience]

Usually for anthro, you obtain your MA along the Ph.D track. so either way you're can get your MA first along the way.

 

Btw, have you visited berkeley? For an anthro dept, it's pretty cut-throat/competitive, which is interesting.

If you do get in, stay clear of dr. nancy scheper hughes, i went to visit the campus a year back to consider applying and she's probably one of the "grumpiest' (putting it nicely) professors/professionals I've encountered.

 

Although, the other faculty members are highly renowned. good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice! I will probably try to do and MA in Canada or the UK where they are distinct from PhD programs. After joining this site I'm starting to realize how competitive schools like Berkeley are...yikes! I have not visited yet but I hope to do so soon. I will definitely steer clear of Scheper Hughes! Thanks again. 

[socanth]

If your undergrad is in anthropology, or closely related, I would certainly give applying to phd programs a good try before spending money on an anthropology MA with a view to going onto the PhD. It's expensive and you'll repeat a lot of the work. If money's no object and you want to do it for the experience of being abroad, then by all means go ahead. But applying to the phd program wouldn't hurt your chances if you're not accepted that year and do go onto the MA. Indeed, it would produce a flash of name recognition if nothing else when you apply later, and showing how focused you've been in improving your file in the intervening period would impress them.

If I were you I would email the specific faculty members you'd like to work with, and ask their opinion as well. The earlier you start building connections with faculty who work in your specific area, the better!

Edited March 8, 2013 by socanth

[lackingpatience]

If your undergrad is in anthropology, or closely related, I would certainly give applying to phd programs a good try before spending money on an anthropology MA with a view to going onto the PhD. It's expensive and you'll repeat a lot of the work. If money's no object and you want to do it for the experience of being abroad, then by all means go ahead. But applying to the phd program wouldn't hurt your chances if you're not accepted that year and do go onto the MA. Indeed, it would produce a flash of name recognition if nothing else when you apply later, and showing how focused you've been in improving your file in the intervening period would impress them.

If I were you I would email the specific faculty members you'd like to work with, and ask their opinion as well. The earlier you start building connections with faculty who work in your specific area, the better!

 

That's a good point. I think you're right and I might as well try to apply to some PhDs - the more I look through these forums the more I think that. Also getting in touch with faculty is a good idea. 

 

Thanks!

[tlm2338]

I was in the same spot you are in last year, but I went ahead and applied to both MA and PHD programs.  I naturally was rejected from a number of PHD programs, but surprisingly got an interview and wait-listed at my top school, Johns Hopkins with a cGPA of 3.26 and a dept GPA of 3.66 at UT Austin and mediocre GRE scores.  I also got into my top choice MA with a full (90%) funding offer.  So, if you're worried you won't into a PHD program because YOU don't think you're qualified, then that's not the way to go.  My advice is to let the program decide if they think you're ready.   You might surprise yourself.

Edited March 12, 2013 by tlm2338

[aled]

Hello all! 

 

I may be jumping the gun a little bit with this question as I am not starting the application process until fall 2013, but I would love it if anyone had advice for me! 

 

Ultimately I would like to do a PhD in Sociocultural Anth (with a focus in Legal Anthropology), but right now I don't think I have the grades to get into some of my dream schools like Berkeley. I have a CGPA of 3.72 and a program GPA of 3.79 plus some research experience with a professor, but I don't think this is quite up to par. Therefore I've decided I should maybe do a masters first and then try to apply for the PhD programs. 

 

What I am wondering is: should apply to a few PhD programs along with masters ones just to see what the responses are? Or would this hurt my chances in the long run if I get rejected an apply a second time a couple years later? In your experience, do schools take into account that you have applied multiple times? Is this a negative or positive thing?

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Just so you don't limit yourself to international programs there are several good MA-only programs in the US, many that come with funding: 

University of Colorado

University of Denver

American University, Public Anthropology (might fit well with your legal anth route)

 

Though I agree that you should go ahead and apply to PhD programs as well - I don't think re-applying years later does anything but show your continued interest and dedication to the field - and you never know what might happen. 

[Archphdeurasia]

Don't do the UK masters program route. I was thinking about Cambridge so I applied for their MPhil in archaeology. I got in and went to visit. Basically the professor told me she'd love to have me but this was going to be about an $80,000 year when it was all said and done. Beyond that, many students with masters from Uk schools are having a terrible time getting into reputable phd programs in the states. Further, going abroad hurts your connections here in the states, if that's where you plan to work. Apply in the states. If you don't get in, intern somewhere and build your skills to apply the following year.

[anxiousanthro]

Don't do the UK masters program route. I was thinking about Cambridge so I applied for their MPhil in archaeology. I got in and went to visit. Basically the professor told me she'd love to have me but this was going to be about an $80,000 year when it was all said and done. Beyond that, many students with masters from Uk schools are having a terrible time getting into reputable phd programs in the states. Further, going abroad hurts your connections here in the states, if that's where you plan to work. Apply in the states. If you don't get in, intern somewhere and build your skills to apply the following year.

 

Hey archphdeurasia!  

 

I should preface this by saying I'm not sure what the case is for archaeology, but for sociocultural anthropology this has certainly not been my experience.  First, that stat on costs is insanely exaggerated (again, maybe there are special expenses to factor in for arch).  I would say it is well more than double all of my total expenses.  I feel my Mphil has really helped me in the application process this year, and I actually developed connections to faculty members at my top choice institution (where I was accepted) through faculty members in the UK.

 

I'm not sure if this all boils down to sub-discipline and I mean no disrespect, but my experience has actually been exactly opposite of everything you stated.  If anyone is interested in/considering a degree in the UK, please feel free to PM me!

[lackingpatience]

I was in the same spot you are in last year, but I went ahead and applied to both MA and PHD programs.  I naturally was rejected from a number of PHD programs, but surprisingly got an interview and wait-listed at my top school, Johns Hopkins with a cGPA of 3.26 and a dept GPA of 3.66 at UT Austin and mediocre GRE scores.  I also got into my top choice MA with a full (90%) funding offer.  So, if you're worried you won't into a PHD program because YOU don't think you're qualified, then that's not the way to go.  My advice is to let the program decide if they think you're ready.   You might surprise yourself.

 

This is so encouraging to hear! And a big congrats on your acceptances! Can I ask what your top choice MA was? I am interested in exploring programs that are out there. Especially since that's an awesome funding offer. 

[Archphdeurasia]

Hey archphdeurasia!

I should preface this by saying I'm not sure what the case is for archaeology, but for sociocultural anthropology this has certainly not been my experience. First, that stat on costs is insanely exaggerated (again, maybe there are special expenses to factor in for arch). I would say it is well more than double all of my total expenses. I feel my Mphil has really helped me in the application process this year, and I actually developed connections to faculty members at my top choice institution (where I was accepted) through faculty members in the UK.

I'm not sure if this all boils down to sub-discipline and I mean no disrespect, but my experience has actually been exactly opposite of everything you stated. If anyone is interested in/considering a degree in the UK, please feel free to PM me!

[Archphdeurasia]

I think given moving costs of about $4000, housing costs of about $20000, tuition of about $32000, living costs of about $20000 (you could do it for less) plus research costs if you have to go anywhere, its expensive any way you slice it. Those are the numbers I was quoted. At least this year, there is hardly any funding. Gates Cambridge, a full cost scholarship trust, estimates their scholarship to be worth about $60,000. And their stipend is low. So I think you can do it cheaper as you have done, but I also think you have to be realistic, that's all.

I'm glad you've had a good experience. I'm sure many others did too. Maybe I have bad info. Just a warning to really consider the cost